Collection: AUDIO TECHNICA

Audio-Technica is a Japanese manufacturer of cartridges, replacement styli and turntables – from entry-level MM cartridges to upper-class MC cartridges. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we carry five MC cartridges, one MM cartridge, two replacement styli and one turntable from the range.

The Audio-Technica range at our store

• MC cartridges – the AT33 family: AT33xEN (bare elliptical, duralumin), AT33xMLD and AT33xMLB (Microlinear, duralumin and boron respectively). Plus the bare elliptical AT33EV. At the top sits the AT-ART9XA with a bare Shibata stylus on a boron cantilever.
• MM cartridge – the AT-VM95E with an elliptical stylus. You swap the stylus yourself, the body stays on the tonearm.
• Replacement styli – the AT-VMN95E for the AT-VM95E and the ATN3600L for the AT3600L. Most people only think about these once it starts crackling. Audio-Technica now lists the ATN3600L as discontinued on its own website and names the ATN3600LC (conical, direct successor) and the ATN3600LE (elliptical, an upgrade) as replacements.
• Turntable – the AT-LP8X with direct drive, J-shaped tonearm and semi-automatic shutoff.

Straight talk

The MC cartridges need an MC-capable phono input – without one, it stays quiet and thin. The AT-LP8X deliberately has no built-in phono stage and no USB output: it needs a phono preamplifier behind it, and it's the wrong choice for digitizing. On the other hand, the AT33 and ART9 systems have been the classic upgrade tip for years.

Frequently asked questions

MM or MC – which suits me?

MM is uncomplicated: higher output voltage, any phono input handles it, and you change the stylus yourself. MC resolves more finely, but requires an MC input and, when the stylus wears, a trip back to the manufacturer. Tell us about your tonearm, and we'll help you place it.

Do I need a phono preamplifier for the AT-LP8X?

Yes. The AT-LP8X has no built-in phono stage. So you need an amplifier with a phono input or a separate phono stage. It also has no USB output for digitizing – instead, the signal takes the shortest analog path, without a detour through built-in electronics.

Why buy Audio-Technica at HD Zürisee?

Because we have an experienced team that isn't aligning cartridges for the first time. We tell you which system suits your tonearm, mount and align it ready to go, and stay available afterwards too. Call us, email us or write on WhatsApp – we're happy to advise you.

Goes well with

Find more choice among our cartridges, turntables and phono preamplifiers. Which arm suits which cartridge, you'll see under tonearms. Browse the whole analog department under Everything Vinyl.